Customer Reviews

Right Hand Man

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"Adams County Banjo" is one of the finest newer generation banjo projects around. Tom is a veteran sideman for heavy hitters such as Jimmy Martin and the Sunny Mountain Boys, The Johnson Mountain Boys, Lynn Morris, and Rhonda Vincent. The material is deeply rooted in traditional Earl Scruggs style banjo, yet with Tom's unique hard driving style, gives it a flavor all its own. Includes full band instrumentals, as well as banjo and fiddle duets. Accompaniment by David McGlaughlin, Eddie Stubbs, and others. HIGHLY recommended for the experienced bluegrass listener, or for the newcomer!!!

It has been said that Tom Adams is the heir apparent to the throne of 3 finger style banjo pickin. This CD makes it obvious. Nobody today has the same combination of speed, timing, excitement and great taste in their pickin style. This CD is a worthy successor to Earl's "foggy mountain banjo". All songs are performed without lyrics in a fast, clean, exciting Scruggs style. The songs are ones you probably already know but Adams breaths fresh life into all of them. If you like bluegrass banjo, you'll love this CD.

Tom Adams is a banjo player that is easy to overlook. As a banjo and mandolin player, I can't deny what I hear on his two CD's. He is one heck of a banjo player, and I sincerely hope he puts out future albums. This is Earl Scruggs style finger pickin' with an active thumb down stroke. When I want to play along with a CD, I usually reach for his first album. I skip the two slow tracks, but play all of the good ol' pickin' tunes. "I Saw The Light" continues to elicit musical religious feelings beyond the four walls of any church. "Bilt That Cabbage Down" is a "bilt that banjo player down" workout. I invariably repeat on both tracks until my family or neighbors go nuts. If you are building a Bluegrass Collection, this one is a gem and a classic.

Hard-driving, straight-ahead traditional Scruggs style banjo picking that is both familiar and exciting. I recommend going to Tom's website and getting a tab book for this album, cause they're all a blast to play!

As a beginning banjo player I was looking for a banjo player as my role model - Earl Scruggs, Bela Fleck or Roy Clark were one of my contenders. But then I discovered Right Hand Man CD after typing the keyword "Cumberland Gap" at a bookstore listening post. Tom Adams's banjo picking blew me out of my seat. His banjo picking is so crystal clear with the active thumb lead. Every song has sheer energy to it. It's hard to explain, but the music is fantastic. Even the fiddle and mandolin playing in the album are superb. I immediately declared Tom Adams as my banjo playing role model.

I've heard many wonderful bluegrass banjo players including such greats as Earl Scruggs and J.D. Crowe, but none better than Tom Adams. Every note is crystal clear and his technique is flawless. This album is a must-have for anyone who loves banjo playing.